As we transition from Parashat Eikev to Parashat Re’eh, the Torah continues Moshe’s final address to the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel. In Eikev, Moshe emphasized the importance of remembering Hashem’s kindness, keeping the mitzvot, and the consequences of forgetting Hashem. This theme of reward and consequence, and the centrality of mitzvah observance, flows directly into Re’eh, where Moshe sharpens the focus on the choices that lie ahead for the nation.
Parashat Re’eh opens with Moshe presenting a stark choice: blessing if the people obey Hashem’s commandments, and curse if they turn away. Upon entering the Land, the Israelites are to proclaim these blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The parasha then details many mitzvot and laws that will govern life in the Land of Israel:
- Destroy all places of idol worship found among the nations, and do not worship Hashem in such ways. Instead, Hashem will choose a single place for His Name, where offerings and pilgrimages are to be made.
- It is permitted to eat meat outside of sacrificial contexts, but blood must never be consumed. All holy offerings and vows must be brought to the chosen place.
- Warning against idolatry is repeated: even if a prophet or a close relative tries to entice you to serve other gods, they must not be listened to, and severe penalties are prescribed.
- Entire cities that turn to idolatry must be destroyed, and their property burned.
- Prohibitions against self-mutilation and eating non-kosher animals are reiterated. The Torah lists kosher and non-kosher animals, fish, and birds, and forbids eating anything that dies naturally.
- The laws of tithes are reviewed: every year, a tenth of produce is to be eaten in Jerusalem, or its value redeemed and spent there. Every third year, the tithe is given to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.
- The mitzvah of Shemitah (the Sabbatical year) is described: every seventh year, debts are to be released, and the needy are to be generously supported.
- The laws of the Hebrew slave are repeated: after six years, the slave is to be set free, and provided with gifts.
- The firstborn of cattle and sheep are to be sanctified and eaten in Jerusalem, unless they have a blemish, in which case they may be eaten anywhere.
- The parasha concludes with the command to celebrate the three pilgrimage festivals—Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot—at the chosen place, with detailed instructions for each.
One of the most striking features of Parashat Re’eh is its opening declaration:
The Ramban notes that the command to destroy idolatry and centralize worship is not just about ritual, but about creating a society where holiness is possible. By removing the influences of idolatry and focusing worship in one place, the Torah seeks to unify the people and elevate their spiritual lives. Rav Kook expands on this idea, teaching that the centralization of worship is meant to foster national unity and a shared sense of purpose, while the laws of tithes and Shemitah cultivate social justice and compassion.
Perhaps the most profound lesson of Re’eh is that holiness is not automatic—it is the result of conscious, repeated choices. The Torah does not demand perfection, but it does demand vigilance: to reject idolatry, to care for the vulnerable, to sanctify our food and our festivals, and to remember that every act can be a step toward blessing or, God forbid, the opposite. As we read Re’eh, we are reminded that the path to holiness is paved with daily decisions, and that Hashem has given us the dignity and responsibility to choose.
Created by Rabbi Ari (AI)